Chartered Building Surveyor – Built Environment
Job summary
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This role is part of HMRC Valuation Office, formerly known as the Valuation Office Agency. We have recently integrated into HMRC.
HMRC Valuation Office are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales.
Job description
Chartered Building Surveyor – Built Environment – Role Overview
The Valuation Office is seeking a RICS-qualified Chartered Building Surveyor to join our Built Environment and Minerals Surveying (BEAMS) team.
The BEAMS team prides itself on its professionalism, customer focus, and the provision of independent and impartial cost and surveying services. Our team comprises Chartered Surveyors specialising in Minerals & Waste Management, Quantity, and Building Surveying, providing impartial advice relating to cost and repair.
Our services are essential for maintaining the Agency's non-domestic rating list. BEAMS also extends its professional services to other government bodies.
BEAMS are responsible for the provision of surveying services encompassing a diverse portfolio of properties and specialist building structures, varying significantly in complexity and scale. Professionals within our team may be assigned to projects involving historically significant buildings, as well as unique and specialised structures such as lighthouses, government facilities, and nuclear sites.
As part of our core services, we specialise in two areas of surveying:
Building Surveying - This encompasses comprehensive assessments, including pathology analysis, cost scheduling for repair works, dilapidation surveys, condition assessments, insurance reinstatement evaluations, disrepair cost estimations, and depreciated reinstatement cost advice. Our expertise extends to the preparation of Agency Cost Guides, incorporating detailed specifications, evidence-based cost data, and the provision of cost information to support contractor basis valuations. We also provide development viability assessments and cost appraisals for various government bodies.
The training we offer will support you to enhance your technical knowledge and further your career.
Chartered Building Surveyor – Built Environment – Key Responsibilities
- Providing specialist advice on the cost and repair of buildings, infrastructure, and associated attributes. Preparing schedules of costs and professional reports.
- Maintaining your knowledge through CPD (Continuous Professional Development) in areas of legislation, case law, codes of practice and professional standards relevant to your area of expertise and the work undertaken within the Built Environment Team.
- Managing and mitigating risks and issues, ensuring timely escalation to senior colleagues.
- Managing and supporting the delivery of single jobs or projects to ensure time, cost, and quality deliverables are met.
- On occasions you may be called upon to act as an expert witness at Valuation Tribunal and other courts as required (Training and support in appearing as an expert witness will be provided).
- Provide mentoring, technical advice and training to support graduates and apprentices on their APC pathways and to support the development of others within the immediate team or wider agency as required.
- Working knowledge and application of Microsoft Office Excel and Word is essential to enable the preparation of reports and cost estimates.
Person specification
The Built Environment and Mineral Surveyors Team (BEAMS) seeks a highly motivated and technically proficient RICS Chartered Building Surveyor to join its dynamic team.
The role holder must consistently achieve project milestones and meet client expectations. This role therefore requires the capacity to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously within a dynamic, high-pressure environment. This includes adhering to delivery deadlines established in consultation with both clients and technical leads.
The successful candidate will effectively self-manage and function autonomously, working pro-actively to mitigate risks and ensure a timely escalation of potential issues to senior colleagues. The role holder will support the successful delivery of projects, adhering to predetermined time, cost, and quality standards, maintaining their current knowledge through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Essential Requirements
- Possession of a full FRICS or MRICS (Fellow or Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) qualification in Building Surveying.
- Proficient in building technology is essential. This includes competency in generating building cost estimations and repair reports, coupled with a fundamental understanding of building services and systems.
- Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to build and manage working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- To mentor and provide technical guidance to colleagues and contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrate strong analytical and decision-making skills by interpreting a range of evidence to provide relevant advice and reach sound conclusions, using initiative when problem solving with limited information.
- The successful candidate will be required to travel, which will include overnight stays. We are reasonable with our expectations and provide flexible working arrangements to support this need.
Please note that due to specialist requirements of this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Commitment to Initiate the application process to attain Registered Valuer status within twelve months of commencing the role.
- Obtain Developed Vetting (DV Level) security clearance. Due to the sensitive nature of our work with various public sector organisations this must be applied for within 12 months of commencing the role.
Licences
A full UK Driving Licence is essential to this role. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application. Please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk with your details before you start / submit to discuss this further.Qualifications
Possession of a full FRICS or MRICS (Fellow or Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) qualification in Building Surveying is required.Memberships
The successful candidate must initiate the application process to attain Registered Valuer status within six months of commencing the role.Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- These will be Technical Questions focusing on Skills relevant to a Chartered Building or Quantity Surveyor.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £48,886, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £14,162 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.
We offer a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days, increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
- Family friendly policies.
- Personal support.
- Coaching and development.
To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it’s really like to work for HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking of joining the Civil Service
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.If you can meet our person requirements above, we are keen to hear from you.
To apply for this post, you must complete an online application with the following:
- A CV setting out your Job History/Full Qualifications/Previous skills and experiences.
- A Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), for your personal statement we would like you to effectively demonstrate your ability to meet stated expectations outlined in the essential requirements and person specification, supported by specific examples. Please ensure to provide clear and concise evidence of your proficiency and expertise to showcase your suitability for the role.
Sift - 14th August 2026. Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
- We will assess you on your CV and Personal Statement, Qualifications & Memberships.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
Interviews -7th September 2026. Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview.
Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.
- We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description, Technical Questions and Strengths.
At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.
Technical
These will be Technical Questions focusing on Skills relevant to a Chartered Building or Quantity Surveyor.
Application Hints and Tips
For more information on Success Profiles, tips on how to write a successful application and find out more about what’s involved in the application process please visit About the application process , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk).
Further Information
Hybrid working at HMRC
HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).
Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact the UBS Recruitment Team via resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Criminal Record Check
Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.
From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.
Locations
As part of the application process, you will be asked to tell us which of the locations available you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options. Please be aware that you can be posted to any location that you put in your preferences. If you would only like to be posted to one location, please confirm one location only.
Successful candidates must select one of the locations noted in this advert as their base office and will be expected to undertake regular travel to this location under HMRC hybrid working policy.
Transitional Sites Information.
If your location preference is for the following site(s), it’s important to note that this is not long-term site for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.
These sites are:
- Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
- Civic Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea – moving to Sandringham Park, Swansea
You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.
A full UK Driving Licence is essential to this role. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application. Please contact resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk before you start/submit your application with your details to discuss this further.
Terms & Conditions
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.
Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.
Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.
Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.
If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Reserve Lists
If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 6 month reserve list. During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.
Concerns/Complaints
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address: resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Richard Bryan
- Email : richard.bryan@hmrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Further information
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles.In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk.
Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns, unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.
Salary range
- £48,886 per year